“Technology can provide a gateway to better research methods and analytic approaches: For several of the projects described in this collection, technology has provided a method for sharing specialist research materials and research techniques with undergraduates to an unprecedented degree. Technology offers advanced research tools, and it can also provide the interface which helps the teacher to guide the student through the implementation of new techniques. . . . This increase in possibilities for independent research raises one essential question: are students equipped to use resources in this way, and to interpret the results of their investigations? More resources do not necessarily bring a better depth of understanding or better analytic skills. Use of the new technologies requires equally thoughtful direction by teachers and other teaching support staff such as library and IT staff, if they are to inform rather than to confuse. . . . Clearly, lack of access to resources is a distinct barrier to their usage. While it would be foolish to argue that making texts, images, and video accessible by the Web will not lead to greater use of these resources by students, it is the opinion of this author that it is not enough to simply make resources available and that the role of the teacher is crucial in ensuring that real learning happens when students interrogate web resources.”

“Introduction: Technology in Teaching Literature and Culture: Some Reflections.” Sarah Porter. Teaching European Literature and Culture with C & IT. The entire article is available at http://info.ox.ac.uk/ctitext/publish/occas/eurolit/porter.html; clicking on this link will open a new browser window, which you should close to return to the main page.